Cross Cultural Communication: Case Study of IKEA

Cross Cultural Communication: Case Study of IKEA 1: Introduction Management Communication is considered as the critical element in the overall performance of an organization internally, externally and in the corporate world of stock market and public image as argued by Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes (2003)[1]. This is naturally because of the fact that the elements associated with the communication not only strive to communicate the management intentions to the audience but also to win their support in order to effectively improve the organization’s performance thus gaining competitive advantage in the target market. The management communication is also treated as the overall element that comprises of the marketing communication, shareholder communication, supplier relationship management and above all establishing corporate identity in the real world as argued by Richard Lynch (2003)[2]. In this report a critical analysis on the cross-cultural communication and the role played by management in terms of effectively achieving the cross-cult ural communication strategy to increase performance is presented to the reader. Examples from the success of IKEA – the leading furniture and household retailer from Sweden in China are presented to the reader. The analysis strives to provide evidence to justify the importance of management communication in the cross-cultural scenario to the reader. The research first presents an overview on the cross-cultural communication describing the critical elements that influence and contribute for successful cross-cultural communication. Then an analysis on the cross-cultural communication in the light of the Chinese market is presented to the reader. This section presents the application and nuances specific to the Chinese markets. This is followed by an insight on the application of the concepts discussed in the light of the IKEA and its performance in China as the research focus is on the cross-cultural communication in china. Finally the research will conclude with a brief summary on the overall importance of cross-cultural communication and its role in the chosen geography and company. 2: Cross-Cultural Communication Geng Cui et al (1998)[3] argue that in a cross-cultural communication situation, the management not only faces the challenge of effectively communicating to the audience but also to ensure that the audience’ reciprocation is supportive to the organization. In order to ensure that the cross-cultural communication by the management achieves the goals of the organization, Geng Cui et al (1998) identify the following as the key ingredients for the communication. Social Interaction is one of the major elements that can influence the overall performance of an organization in the given target geography as argued by Geng Cui et al (1998). This is not only because of the fact that the increase in the visibility of organization to the target audience will create the familiarity but also increase the overall acceptance of the organization by the people in the target geography. Frances Brassington and Stephen Pettit (2003)[4] further argue that the communication element is the critical factor that influences the overall effectiveness of the organization in the target market. In the light of the aforementioned, the social interaction effectiveness of the management will increase the visibility to the target audience thus communicating a positive image on the organization’s position towards the society in which it is intending to perform business. Another interesting element with the social interaction is the fact that an organization trying to gain market share in a new geography requires the efforts of the senior management to push the presence of the organization as a positive element in the overall business of the economy in the target geography as argued by Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes (2003). Hence from a strategic perspective, it is essential for the social interaction to create a positive image about the organization to increase its presence in the market as a potential competitor. Another interesting element with the social interaction and the management communication is the fact that it involves the people associated with the communication and the social interaction demands face-to-face conversation thus making it clear, a positive approach from the organization to present itself as potential new entrant in the market will strengthen its corporate identity. The social interaction also provides the opportunity for the organization to appreciate the self-esteem and other subtle elements of the people in the target market that will help forge better stakeholder relationship as argued by A.M.M. Rad and M. Yarmohammadian (2006)[5]. Cultural Empathy is described as one of the major critical success factors for an organization to gain visibility in a new target market as argued by Miranda Y.P. Lee and Daniel W.C. So (2007)[6]. The apparent reason for this is the fact that an understanding of the culture of the target market’s culture and the big-picture of the target geography itself, the new-entrant organization can efficiently identify the potential customers in the target market. This process is further justified as the key to successfully forging the stakeholder relationship in case of managing projects involving the change and development of an organization in new target demography. Whilst social interaction is considered as a corporate identity element, cultural empathy is considered as both a critical success factor to devising the product lines for the target market as well as communicating to the customers in the target market as argued by Miranda Y.P. Lee and Daniel W.C. So (2007). Another interesting element associated with the cultural empathy and the cross-cultural communication is the fact that the parent organization being a new entrant to the target market, it is critical to appeal to the target audience’ (customer, suppliers and stakeholders alike) cultural background to justify their contribution to the development of the society in terms of the business development strategies of the organization itself. This is argued as one of the succ essful as well as complex strategies as argued by Richard Lynch (2003) since the entering organization faces the challenge of winning the customers to their organization’s benefit. Alongside, it is also essential for the understanding of the cultural factors associated with the target market for a new entrant in the market because of the natural tendency of the customer to rely on the seller who can understand the needs of the customer (Richard Lynch, 2003). In order to accomplish this strategy, it is thus essential to understand the customer requirements from a customer perspective, which apparently demands the understanding of the cultural factors associated with the target market. Ethnic Communication is a term that has gained popularity with the increasing success of the deployment of appealing to the ethnic factors associated with the target geography as argued by Guilherme Pires and John Stanton (2000)[7]. The subtle difference between the cultural empathy and the ethnic communication is the fact that the cultural empathy provides information and educates the organization to address the target market whilst the ethnic communication is the actual strategy put in action to reach the customers in the target market. In addition, the increasing competition due to globalisation and the threat of new entrants from competing organizations entering the chosen target market justifies the need to create a long-lasting impression among the customers about the products and services of the organization. The ethnic communication strategy is considered as the successful element to increase the visibility of the organization in the chosen target demography and the target ma rket. Alongside, Geng Cui et al (1998) argue ethnic communication as an acceptable strategy for an organization’s effectiveness in designing its communication plan in order to reach its audience in the new geography. The audience mentioned include, the customers, shareholders, supplier and the general public to whom the management communicates on a day-to-day basis. This makes it clear that the ethnic communication element is a critical success factor for the overall effectiveness of the organization. Also, it is important to understand that the cross-cultural communication is not a unidirectional process and must involve the overall interaction of the target audience and the organization that is establishing itself in the target new geography as argued by Geng Cui et al (1998). This makes it clear that the interaction is one of the critical elements that is achieved through the ethnic communication that helps create a positive image for the organization among the target audience. Local Knowledge Local knowledge is commended as a critical success factor for an organization that is trading in different geographical locations across the world as argued by Thomas Brenner (2007)[8]. Thomas Brenner (2007) further argues that the local knowledge is predominantly gained through the continuous social interaction with the target audience mainly because of the fact that the tangible knowledge value is not gained from a mere understanding of the culture behind the target audience. In the case researched in this report, the tangible knowledge on the target geography (i.e.) China is a critical element and understanding of the culture through public resources is not ample for efficient trading in China as argued by Peter Williamson and Ming Zeng (2004)[9]. They further argue that multinational organizations entering China for trading face four fundamental handicaps in building competitive advantage in the chosen target market of China. These are Poor supporting infrastructure that often prevents an organization from utilizing its advantage in the new target market in terms of management effectiveness, technological advances, etc., Supply chain management also faces a critical issue in the Chinese market mainly because of the poor infrastructure and managerial effectiveness along with the inherent disadvantage of communication gap due to lack of local knowledge. The inability to reap the economies of scale and lack of flexibility to spread the higher fixed costs imposed through the need to integrate operations in China. Finally the organizations face the early development stages in most of the Chinese markets thus making market penetration with high-end goods unsuccessful. From the above mentioned constraints it is clear that the cross-cultural communication can not only provide advantage through local knowledge but also bridge the communication gap thus allowing the organization to strategically position itself in the target markets and identify the market development stage to introduce innovative product lines as argued by Peter Williamson and Ming Zeng (2004). Communication Competence Peter Williamson and Ming Zeng (2004) argue that the communication competence is a critical element in the overall success of the organization in a new target market because of the fact that the cross-cultural communication factors like social interaction, ethnic communication, cultural empathy and local knowledge are demonstrated in the communication competence of the organization. This makes it clear that the senior management representing the organization in a new geography must be able to communicate effectively in the local language embracing the aforementioned in order to gain competitive advantage. This also makes it clear that the communication competence in the cross- cultural communication strategy of a management is the final element that represents the overall strategy in action. Hence it is essential for the organization to ensure that their management staffs facing key audience in the new target market are competent in the local language thus ensuring strong relationshi p with the customers, suppliers, stakeholders and the general public. Peter Williamson and Ming Zeng (2004) further argue that the major disadvantage for an organization entering China is the lack of the knowledge on the local language that is necessary for competence in communication for negotiation and sales. Thus it is clear the communication competence is the primary element that supports the overall strength of the strategy thus leveraging competitive advantage for the organization. Finally, it is interesting to note that the Chinese market for the furniture market is not only developing but also increasing in demand with the increasing awareness among the customers in the target market on the fashion and trends in the west as argued by Ann Priest (2005)[10]. The company that is under analysis (i.e.) IKEA – is one of the leading conglomerates in the retail of flat packed furniture and house wares (Company Profile, 2006[11]). A detailed analysis on the company’s performance in China and the role of cross – cultural communication is presented in section of the report. 3: Measures of Success Management communication is argued as the critical strategic element for the effective performance of an organization in the chosen area of business (Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes, 2003). The role of cross – cultural communication in an organization’s success are focused on three critical segments of audience in the target market as argued by Miranda Y.P. Lee and Daniel W.C. So (2007). They are customers, supplier and stakeholders of the senior management. The application of cross- cultural communication for the abovementioned three audience groups in the Chinese markets is presented to the reader. 3.1: Customers The customer is the ultimate audience to an organization due to the obvious reason that the purchasing from the customers is the driving element for the overall business as argued by Richard Lynch (2003). In the Chinese market, the demand from the customers depend mainly on the costs (i.e.) the pricing strategy of the organization and the ability of a seller to produce innovative products reflecting the Chinese culture as argued by Miranda Y.P. Lee and Daniel W.C. So (2007). This is apparently because of the fact that the Chinese markets are still in the development phase and hence the sales of high-end products in the retail shop floor is not a successful strategy as argued by Xueming Luo et al (2004)[12]. Hence effective marketing communication is a critical element in the successful promotion of the product lines of a new entrant in the target market. From a strategic perspective, the marketing communication is the key for the effective promotion and strong positioning of the product lines in the target market as argued by Philip Kotler and Kevin Lane Keller (2005)[13]. The marketing mix which is argued, as the critical element in the overall promotion of the products and services to an organization is the key area where cross – cultural communication approach must be applied to reach the customer effectively as argued by Xueming Luo et al (2004). Xueming Luo et al (2004) further justify that the efficient application of the 4Ps of marketing along with the application of the cross – cultural communication strategy to ensure that the marketing communication appeals to the target market’s culture as well as reflects upon the product innovation to meet the demands of the customers is the key for devising a successful marketing promotion plan for a product line. From the above-mentioned it is clear that the traditional marketing strategies are applicable to a given target market but the ingredient of the cross – cultural communication that bridges the communication gap between the customers and the new entrant seller in the market is the key for increasing sales and productivity in the target market. Alongside, it is also interesting to note that the effectiveness of the marketing communication is only through the understanding of the cultural factors and the local knowledge of the target demography as argued by Philip Kotler and Kevin Lane Keller (2005). Alongside, the marketing communication takes different forms right from the face-to-face interaction with the customer at the shop floor up to advertisement through media as argued by Frances Brassington and Stephen Pettit (2003). This makes it clear that the cross –cultural communication effectives is the critical element for the overall success of the marketing strategy itself in an organization. Besides, the marketing communication targeted towards developing markets where the market development is in its early stages in most areas, the success of a new entrant is dependant upon the communication factor as argued by Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes (2003). 3.2: Suppliers Suppliers in the Chinese market are not only an essential element for continued production and promotion of products but also essential for the effective cost reduction and production profit management strategies as argued by Xueming Luo et al (2004). This is because of the fact that the increasing competition in the Chinese retail markets both from the domestic competitors as well as the new entrants from the west, has increased the need for cost efficient supply chain strategies to ensure that there is better profit margin for the organization. Alongside, the increasing demand for innovative product lines and the continuous requirement to procure new raw materials as well as reduce the lead time associated with the procurement, production and supply; it is thus essential to maintain effective supplier relationship. The bargaining power of the supplier which is one of the five forces that affect the business growth in a given target market (Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes, 2003) is evident in the aforementioned case where the need to forge strong supplier relationship with domestic suppliers in China is a critical element for continuous growth of an organization. The cross – cultural communication in terms of the fluency in host language (i.e.) Chinese and the ability to understand the business process methods of the suppliers to ensure strong relationship are critical success factors for the overall success of the organization itself. Alongside, Malcolm J. Sanders (1997)[14] argues that the reduction in the supply chain delays and ensuring strong supplier relationship is the key for effective management of the production in an organization. Thus through exercising effective control over the supply chain, an organization can quickly respond to a change in the market demands. This will eventually increase the productivity and sales for the organization. In the light of the aforementioned, it is clear that the conversation skills of the management as well as the key supply chain staff is essential for the effective management of supply chain in the Chinese retail markets as argued by Xueming Luo et al (2004). 3.3: Stakeholder management Xueming Luo et al (2004) say that the strategic positioning of an organization in the Chinese markets requires the continuous support of the stakeholders in the local geography. This is because of the fact that partnership or partial acquisition is deemed as one of the successful strategies in the market development strategy of an organization entering a new market as argued by Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes (2003). Hence the efficient communication with the stakeholders through fluency in the local language and understanding of the cultural demands are the critical elements to ensure their continuous support. In the light of the aforementioned it is thus clear the cross – cultural communication is a critical element to win the audience’ support for the continuous business development and sustainable competitive advantage in the Chinese retail markets. 3.4: Human Resource Management   The management of the workforce and strong working relationship with the staff members and management are argued as critical success factors by Derek Torrington and Laura Hall (2003)[15]. In the light of the aforementioned, addressing the Chinese retail market, it is clear that local workforce is one of the critical elements to reduce the cost overhead associated with staffing for a new entrant. Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes (2003) further argue that the streamlined communication between the management and the staff is the critical element for increasing the productivity of the organization. This makes it clear that the cross – cultural communication is necessary in the form of fluency in local knowledge and understanding of the working culture of the Chinese labour market in order to increase the sales and gain sustainable competitive advantage. Alongside, the labourers being part of the overall general public, the strong human resource relationship demonstrated by the mana gement will forge a positive corporate identity for the new entrant in the Chinese markets. 4: IKEA and China Briefly, IKEA entered the furniture retail market of China in 2003 by establishing the first store at Shangai, China (Company Profile, 2006). This was followed by further development of the business into other popular geographies of China including Beijing and Hong Kong. In this section the use of the cross – cultural communication discussed in sections 2 and 3 by IKEA is presented to the reader. 4.1: Customer Relationship The company’s strategy in utilising the services of one of the leading Chinese advertising agencies Saatchi Saatchi Beijing as well as other advertising agencies in the local geographies of china has increased its ability to reach the customers in the target market effectively (Media Asia, 2006[16]). Alongside, the company’s adherence to the understanding of the host culture through providing innovative product lines that appeal to the customer demands as well as the culture of the target demography is one of the critical success factors in establishing strong customer relationship. Another interesting element is the focus on the wider geography as well as specifically targeting the Western residents in the target markets (Company Profile, 2006) demonstrates the effective use of the cross-cultural communication strategy in marketing to forge strong customer relationship. The success of IKEA as the top loyalty brand in Hong Kong (Media Asia, 2006[17]) justifies the role played by the cross-cultural communication by the management to increase sales. 4.2: Supplier Relationship The procurement strategy of IKEA in the Chinese market is mainly through encouraging the local channels and small scale industries that produce specific product lines and made to order product lines (Company Profile, 2006). This demonstrates the effective cross-cultural communication by IKEA and its ability to maintain effective supplier relationship to increase productivity. 4.3: Human Resource Management The company utilises the local workforce in all levels of the organization, which is evident from the store manger positions held by the Chinese national in Shangai. The concept of cross-cultural communication and appealing to the staff culture apart from the traditional methods of human resource management is evident from the aforementioned. Alongside, the effective management of the human resource is also evident from the company’s rewarding strategy that is not only intended to motivate the staff but also introduce the overall organizational culture among the staff members in the Chinese branches. This approach motivates the staff members and is successful because of the local knowledge exercised by the organization. Alongside, the key measures in terms of management and staff relationship were queried with IKEA’s sales team in the UK. The results prove that the sales staff shop floor have the following key skills irrespective of the geography they are deployed. Understanding host culture Participate to resolve the host social issues Have friendly relationship with the host In the Chinese retail market, the aforementioned are demonstrated as follows The advertising and promotion strategy of the organization using the services of the local advertising agencies to appeal to the cultural factors of the demography justifies the understanding of the host culture by IKEA, China The organization’s innovation strategies like its contribution to the space problems in the Hong Kong target market (Lee Michele, 2002[18]) are a classical example for the organization’s ability to participate and resolve the host social issues. The company’s top score in the brand loyalty and customer loyalty in the Hong Kong and Beijing markets justifies its ability to forge friendly relationship with the host. 5: Conclusion Thus to conclude the research it is clear that the cross – cultural communication effectiveness is a mandatory element in the success of an organization in a new geographical location. The increase in the globalisation and the need for business development have increased the need to reach Far Eastern nations for potential markets which justifies the need for efficient cross – cultural communication. The analysis on IKEA further justifies that only through the effective cross – cultural communication it is justifiable for an organization to develop business and sustain growth in the target market. References A.M.M. Rad and M. Yarmohammadian (2006), A study of relationship between managers’ leadership style and employees’ job satisfaction, Leadership in Health Services Vol. 19 No. 2, 2006 Ann Priest (2005), Uniformity and differentiation in fashion, International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology Vol. 17 No. 3/4, 2005 Company Profile, (2006), IKEA Group, Datamonitor Derek Torrington and Laura Hall (2003), Personnel Management – HRM in Action, FT: Prentice Hall Frances Brassington and Stephen Pettit (2003), Principles of Marketing, FT: Prentice Hall Geng Cui et al (1998), Cross – Cultural Adaptation and Ethnic Communication: Two Structural Equation Models, Howard Journal of Communication, 9:1, 69-85 Gerry Johnson and Kevan Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes (2003) (2003), Exploring Corporate Strategy – Texts and Cases, Prentice Hall Guilherme Pires and John Stanton (2000), Marketing services to ethnic consumers in culturally diverse markets: issues and implications, Journal of Services Marketing, 2000, Vol. 14 Issue 6/7 Lee Michele (2002), Ikea plays up space solutions in HK burst, Media Asia, 10/4/2002, p4 Malcolm J. Saunders (1997), Strategic Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, Financial Times – Prentice Hall Miranda Y.P. Lee and Daniel W.C. So (2007), Corporate-slogans of corporations operating in Greater China, Corporate Communications: An International Journal Vol. 12 No. 1, 2007 News Article (2006), IKEA plays up more in mega stores opening, Media Asia, 15621138, 4/7/2006: Business Source Premier News Article, IKEA tops loyalty brand survey in Hong Kong, Media Asia; 10/6/2006, p11-11 Peter Williamson and Ming Zeng (2004), Strategies for Competing in a Changed China, MIT Sloan Management Review, Summer2004, Vol. 45 Issue 4 Philip Kotler and Kevin Lane Keller (2005), Marketing Management – 12th Edition, Prentice Hall Richard Lynch (2003), Corporate Strategy, FT: Prentice Hall Thomas Brenner (2007), Local Knowledge Resources and Knowledge Flows, Industry Innovation, Jun2007, Vol. 14 Issue 2 Xueming Luo et al (2004), The Effects of Customer Relationships and Social Capital on Firm Performance: A Chinese Business Illustration, Journal of International Marketing, 2004, Vol.12 Issue 4 Footnotes [1] Gerry Johnson and Kevan Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes (2003) (2003), Exploring Corporate Strategy – Texts and Cases, Prentice Hall [2] Richard Lynch (2003), Corporate Strategy, FT: Prentice Hall [3] Geng Cui et al (1998), Cross – Cultural Adaptation and Ethnic Communication: Two Structural Equation Models, Howard Journal of Communication, 9:1, 69-85 [4] Frances Brassington and Stephen Pettit (2003), Principles of Marketing, FT: Prentice Hall [5] A.M.M. Rad and M. Yarmohammadian (2006), A study of relationship between managers’ leadership style and employees’ job satisfaction, Leadership in Health Services Vol. 19 No. 2, 2006 [6] Miranda Y.P. Lee and Daniel W.C. So (2007), Corporate-slogans of corporations operating in Greater China, Corporate Communications: An International Journal Vol. 12 No. 1, 2007 [7] Guilherme Pires and John Stanton (2000), Marketing services to ethnic consumers in culturally diverse markets: issues and implications, Journal of Services Marketing, 2000, Vol. 14 Issue 6/7 [8] Thomas Brenner (2007), Local Knowledge Resources and Knowledge Flows, Industry Innovation, Jun2007, Vol. 14 Issue 2 [9] Peter Williamson and Ming Zeng (2004), Strategies for Competing in a Changed China, MIT Sloan Management Review, Summer2004, Vol. 45 Issue 4 [10] Ann Priest (2005), Uniformity and differentiation in fashion, International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology Vol. 17 No. 3/4, 2005 [11] Company Profile, (2006), IKEA Group, Datamonitor [12] Xueming Luo et al (2004), The Effects of Customer Relationships and Social Capital on Firm Performance: A Chinese Business Illustration, Journal of International Marketing, 2004, Vol.12 Issue 4 [13] Philip Kotler and Kevin Lane Keller (2005), Marketing Management – 12th Edition, Prentice Hall [14] Malcolm J. Saunders (1997), Strategic Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, Financial Times – Prentice Hall [15] Derek Torrington and Laura Hall (2003), Personnel Management – HRM in Action, FT: Prentice Hall [16] News Article (2006), IKEA plays up more in mega stores opening, Media Asia, 15621138, 4/7/2006: Business Source Premier [17] News Article, IKEA tops loyalty brand survey in Hong Kong, Media Asia; 10/6/2006, p11-11 [18] Lee Michele (2002), Ikea plays up space solutions in HK burst, Media Asia, 10/4/2002

Journey Towards Racial Reconciliation Essay -- The Harlem Renaissance,

The Harlem Renaissance poets had to overcome many obstacles to establish themselves in the world of American poetry. They faced overt racism, harsh criticism, and racial isolation. Out of these impediments came a multitude of great literary contributions. However, some of the best poems came from the critical self-analysis of four highly influential Harlem Renaissance poets. Hughes, McKay, Cullen, and Bennett each wrestled with the issue of uncertain racial identity. Each pair had poems with identical titles: â€Å"Mulatto† for Hughes and McKay and â€Å"Heritage† for Cullen and Bennett. The analysis of each pair of poems and how the respective authors handle the subject material will reveal a distinctive pattern of racial confusion. For many of the Harlem Renaissance poets, establishing a definitive place of belonging was virtually impossible. Their poems portray individuals are conflicted as to where they belong and how they identify themselves. While the differences between the poems are telling in their own right, the similar theme of racial identity is what links all four poets together in the larger context of being â€Å"negro poets†. â€Å"Mulatto† is the strongest case for racial confusion of the two titles that will be analyzed. A mulatto is someone who is classified as a person of mixed white and black ancestry, especially a person with one white and one black parent. It is this exact type of person that Hughes and McKay are writing about in their identically titled works. During the 1920’s, when both of these men were writing poetry, people of mixed races were looked down upon by both blacks and whites. They were oddities and not accepted by either ancestral group. This fostered feelings of isolation in these individuals. Conflicted, the... ...Fiction. New York: Atheneum, 1969. Print. Bontemps, Arna. The Harlem Renaissance Remembered; Essays,. New York: Dodd, Mead, 1972. Print. Emanuel, James A., and Theodore L. Gross. Dark Symphony: Negro Literature in America,. New York: Free, 1968. Print. Gibson, Donald B. Modern Black Poets; a Collection of Critical Essays. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1973. Print. Maxwell, William J., and Joseph Valente. "Metrocolonial Capitals of Renaissance Modernism: Dublin's 'New Ireland' and Harlem's 'Mecca of the New Negro." (2001): n. pag. Modern American Poetry. Department of English, University of Illinois. Web. Nelson, Cary. "Claude McKay." Anthology of Modern American Poetry. New York: Oxford UP, 2000. 314-19. Print. Parham, Marisa. "Hughes, Cullen, and the In-sites of Loss." ELH. Vol. 74. N.p.: Johns Hopkins UP, 2007. 429-47. Print.

The Iliad of Homer :: essays research papers

The Iliad Important Characters: Agamemnon king of Mycenae; brother of Menelaos Hektor Prince of Troy; son of Priam and Hekuba Achilles greatest warrior of the Achaian army Aias song of Telamon; he has brute strength and courage Menelaos husband of Helen; brother of Agamemnon Paris a prince of Troy; also son of Priam and Hekuba Priam King of Troy; very old man Helen wife of Menelaos; most beautiful woman In the world Diomedes one of the best Achaian warriors Hekuba wife of Priam Aeneas son of Aphrodite; Trojan Aphrodite Daughter of Zeus; goddess of love; mother of Aeneas; patron of Paris; on the Trojans' side Athena daughter of Zeus; goddess of wisdom; on the Achaian side Ares son of Zeus; god of prophecy, light, poetry, and music; on the Trojans' side Zeus supreme god and king of Olympos Poseidon younger brother of Zeus; god of sea   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Chryseis and Briseis who were captured during a raid in Troy are awarded as ‘war prizes' to Agamemnon and Achilles. Chryseis for Agamemnon and Briseis for Achilles. Chryseis is the daughter of Chryses which prays Apollo to help get back his daughter. Apollo causes a deadly plague in the Achaian camp. Achilles asked Kalchas to explain the cause of Apollo's anger. Apollo plagued the Achaians because Agamemnon refused to return Chryseis to her father. Agamemnon demands Achilles' war prize in place of Chryseis. Achilles because angry at Agamemnon's demand and withdraws his troops from the Achaian army. Agamemnon returns Chryseis to her father then collects Briseis from Achilles. Strangely, Achilles gives him the girl. Then, Achilles decides to tell his mother about the problem. Achilles asks his mother to ask Zeus to make sure that the Trojans win. Thetis goes to Zeus and asks and he agrees to help the Trojans.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Agamemnon has a dream that he can defeat the Trojans so, full of false hope, he planned a mass assault on Troy. Agamemnon orders his army to prepare themselves to attack. When the news of the Achaian plan arrived in Troy, Hektor ordered his troops to meet the Achaians on the plain in front of Troy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Paris dares any of the Achaian warriors to fight him personally. Then, Menelaos accepted the challenge. But, Paris is suddenly scared and backs out. Hektor then fines Paris and scolds him. The agreement was whoever won gets Helen, then the war would be over. They fight on a large open area between the armies. Menelaos hurts Paris then Aphrodite saves Paris and brings him to his bedroom in Troy, where she also brings Helen. Then Agamemnon announces that Menelaos has won.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hera wants the complete destruction of Troy so Zeus sends Athena to get them fighting again.

Wallace Stevenss The Emperor of Ice-Cream Essay -- Stevens Ice Cream

Wallace Stevens's "The Emperor of Ice-Cream" "The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream," Wallace Steven's writes in his poem "The Emperor of Ice-Cream" (8). This line proclaiming the ice-cream maker as important as an emperor is used metaphorically to describe the selfishness of human nature. One the surface, the poem is about the wake of a poor, old woman. However, if the metaphors and symbols of the poem are examined, the poem's deeper message becomes apparent. The attenders of the wake, who represent human nature, are uninterested in the dead woman; they are only concerned with their own wants - eating ice-cream. Therefore, the "emperor of ice-cream" is truly the mourners' emperor, for the ice-cream maker represents the power of human selfishness, a power present in all humans. Stevens creates nondescript characters, other than in their plainness, for "Emperor," thus making them easy to identify with as general and typical people, who therefore exhibit typical human nature. Furthering their regularity, the dead woman and her mourners are from a fairly low social status. Stevens writes, "Let the wenches dawdle in such dress/ As they are used to wear, and let the boys/ Bring flowers in last month's newspapers" (4-6). The girls' everyday dresses and the boys' flowers wrapped in old newspapers are testaments to their plainness as well as their lack of wealth. Stevens says the dead woman has a "dresser of deal,/ Lacking the three glass knobs" (9-10). Her cheap dresser missing three of its knobs is another example of the near poverty and simplicity of the woman and her mourners. Stephen's characters are simple and normal people; thus, their actions represent the actions and urges of simple and normal human nature. The m... ...ourners directing the light of the lamp probably onto the dead woman gives the impression that they find the dead woman somewhat interesting and important. However, these impressions love and interest are quickly revoked when reminded that "the only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream." In other words, personal pleasure is far more important than duty. "The Emperor of Ice-Cream" begins and ends with the ice-cream maker, thus establishing him as the most important piece of the poem. The ice cream maker is the only emperor; he is the only person, representing human desire, that can truly rule one's life. This power makes "the only emperor...the emperor of ice-cream." Works Cited Stevens, Wallace. "The Emperor of Ice-Cream." Literature: Reading, Thinking, Writing. Fourth Edition. Ed. Michael Meyer. Boston: St. Martin's, 1996.

Harriet Beecher Stowes Uncle Toms Cabin - The Book that Started a War :: Uncle Toms Cabin

The Book that Started a War    Uncle Tom's Cabin, also called Life Among the Lowly, was written by Harriet Beecher Stowe.   It is a realistic, although fictional view of slavery.   The main characters in this story are Uncle Tom, Eliza and George Harris.   Uncle Tom is a pious, trustworthy, slave.   He never wrongs anyone and always obeys his master.   A very spiritual person, Uncle Tom tries his best to obey the Bible and to do what is right.   Eliza is a beautiful slave owned by George Shelby, Sr., the same person who initially owns Tom.   Eliza has a son, Harry.   Eliza's husband, George Harris, lives on a nearby plantation.   George is a brilliant man, and invented a machine that was used in the factory he works in.   His owner became jealous and demoted George from his factory job to doing hard labor on the plantation.   This story takes place throughout the states of Kentucky and Mississippi.      Chapters 1-5      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Because his Kentucky plantation was overwhelmed by debt, George Shelby, Sr. makes plans to trade some slaves to a slave dealer named Haley in exchange for debts being canceled.   The dealer selects Uncle Tom as payment for the debt.   While the two are discussing the possible transaction, Eliza's son, Harry, comes rushing into the room.   Haley decides he wants to take Harry also, but Shelby refuses to part with the child.   Eliza, overhearing part of the conversation, is frightened and confides her fears to her husband, George Harris.   The fact that George's owner is mistreating him, combined with a possible sale of his son persuades George to begin planning to run away.   After inferring from an overheard conversation between Mr. & Mrs. Shelby that they are indeed going to sell Harry and Uncle Tom, Eliza warns Tom and she runs away.      Chapters 6-15      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Eliza is able to cross the Ohio River and get to a safe place before Haley's two hired slave-catchers can catch up with her.   Although he was warned, Uncle Tom stays on the plantation, leaving it up to God to protect him.   At the same time, George Harris begins his escape.   Disguised as a Spaniard, George takes his time finding a route on the underground railroad.   He just happens to go to the same place where Eliza and Harry are being hidden.

Huck Finn: an American Masterpiece Essay

For more than two centuries, American authors have consistently produced outstanding works that have achieved national acclaim and international recognition. Many of these works have achieved have come to be celebrated as masterpieces in American literature and influential in the shaping of our nation. Since its publication in 1884, Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has risen to such a status and has been added to the curriculum of most schools. Unlike any other novel of its time, Mark Twain wrote an organic, realistic story drawn from his own personal struggles with being â€Å"sivilized† into the proper manners of society. He employed several literary techniques and methods to insure that his novel would be considered a classic. Three significant aspects of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn include the use of the vernacular, the use of satire, and the depiction of pastoral life in the South. One significant aspect of Huck Finn is the use of the vernacular. One can’t open the novel without noticing distinctly Southern terms like â€Å"bullyragged† and â€Å"corn-dodgers. † This use of the everyday language of the common folk adds a great deal of authenticity and believability to Huck’s adventures. Each character has his or her own bit of a Southern twang. For example, the Dauphin has a traditional, simple accent when he announces to the Wilks family, â€Å"Friends all, my poor brother that lays yonder has done generous by them that’s left behind in the vale of sorrers† (214). Nonetheless, the vernacular is most prominent when Jim speaks. For example, when he explains to Huck why Solomon wasn’t wise, he says, â€Å"I doan’ k’yer what de widder say, he warn’t no wise man nuther. He had some er der dad-fetchedes’ I ever see† (100). In fact, Twain’s novel was far ahead of its times. Something new happened with Huck Finn that had never happened before in American literature. It’s a book that deviated from the well-mannered English tradition of the times. Twain’s novel allows a different kind of writing to happen? a natural, realistic kind of writing that jumps off the page with energy and enthusiasm. Indeed, Huck Finn isn’t a book that can be read. It’s a book that talks. Another well-known aspect of Huck Finn is the use of satire. Twain uses this to explore and poke fun at many aspects of society, and uses Huck’s actions and thoughts to make things like education and the Wisdom of Solomon seem impractical. Religion is frequently satirized in the novel. When Widow Douglas tells Huck about Moses, Huck thinks to himself why she won’t let him smoke, â€Å"Here she was a-bothering about Moses, which was no kin to her, and no use to anybody being gone, you see, yet finding a power of fault with me for doing a thing that had some good in it† (Twain 3). He doesn’t see the point in worrying about people who died three-thousand years ago. Twain satirizes religion again when he describes the Shepherdsons and Grangerfords listening to a sermon about brotherly love at church with guns in between their knees. He also satirizes the Victorian culture of the time period. When Huck arrives at the Grangerford mansion, he is in awe at the intricate and ornate artwork in the parlor. He comments, â€Å"? there was beautiful curtains on the windows; white with pictures painted on them of castles with vines all down the walls, and cattle coming down to drink† (Twain 134). Twain uses Huck to show his own views of the period. Scenes like the one describing the clock on the mantelpiece clearly get the message across that the Grangerfords’ furniture and decorations are both tacky and absurd. Indeed, Twain has much to say about society and uses his characters to get his point across. The last noteworthy aspect of Huck Finn is its depiction of pastoral Southern life. Twain mentions several instances where Huck and Jim are free from the social constraints and problems of â€Å"sivilized† society, describing vivid scenes that call to mind watching the sunset across a pond as the crickets chirp among the cattails. Huck and Jim are truly free to do as they wish on the lazy Mississippi. Here, Huck treats Jim as an equal without a care as to what others may think. Before the two run into the Duke and the Dauphin, Twain describes the wind along the water, â€Å"Then the nice breeze springs up, and comes fanning you from over there, so cool and fresh and sweet to smell on account of the woods and the flowers† (Twain 151). This tranquil moment demonstrates that the South isn’t all about slavery and racism. It’s about enjoying life without all the worries and duties. Thanks to Twain, the American ideal of freedom is Huck and Jim rafting down the Mississippi. Twain also depicts the pastoral ideal when he describes the Phelps’ farm as â€Å"Sunday-like† and â€Å"hot and sunshiny† (Twain 278). He goes on to depict a picturesque farmhouse and lazy gardens. The pastoral ideal has been used to define the meaning of America since its discovery, and it has not yet lost its hold upon the imagination. Quaint scenes like these resonate in America’s heart, hitting strings that evoke a desperate longing for a laidback, carefree lifestyle. This truly is the closest thing there is to perfection, and Twain himself felt an affinity with this pastoral Southern life. Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn will forever be revered as a classic in American literature thanks to his artful style and clever technique. Three significant aspects include the use of the vernacular, the use of satire, and the depiction of pastoral life in the South. These characteristics have made this masterpiece what it is today and have captured the hearts of countless Americans and foreigners alike. Most importantly, Twain’s work set a precedent for future novelists for years to come through its witty language and unique personality. As author Ernest Hemingway commented, â€Å"All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn. American writing comes from that. There was nothing before. There has been nothing as good since† (348). Works Cited Hemingway, Ernest. â€Å"All modern American. . . † The Columbia Dictionary of Quotations. Ed. Joseph R. Strayer. 1 vol. New York: Columbia University Press, 1995. Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. New York: Pocket, 1994.

Life & experienced

My life has experienced its fair share if twists and turns. If there is one thing that I have learnt from life, it is preparing to expect the unexpected. I always try to keep an open mind towards situations and it helps me to stay unruffled during adversity.I maintain a positive outlook towards life even during hardships, which helps me focus on things that need to be done in the present rather than worrying about the past. It has also helped face failure with optimism and given me confidence that anything is possible if adequate time and effort are put in.I enjoy reading books and feel that it is extremely enlightening and entertaining at the same time. I feel that good books can talk to people and change lives. I have read quite a few good books that have greatly influenced me and made who I am today.I enjoy playing outdoor sports and feel that it a great way to exert pent-up energy and refresh the mind. A good game has the power to take the mind off negative thoughts. I believe it helps to lead a healthy lifestyle since it acts as adequate exercise to the body and soul. It is also an excellent way to learn sportsmanship and make new friends.I feel college education is absolutely essential to gather knowledge, which would otherwise take years of experience. However, I do understand there is no substitute for real world experience. But, I just feel that a college degree would give a head start towards launching a successful career.I also hope that college life would expose me a world of new possibilities and people that would made life more interesting. I have been quite a disciplined and dedicated student in school, which is reflected by grades and clean record. I also stick to strong moral values, as a result of my healthy upbringing and good friends.I am looking forward to learning new things from professors and academic experts, enabling me to be a more enlightened person. I like making new friends by mingling with my fellow students and getting to know th eir experiences and thoughts on life.I feel that college is the best place to make human connections that last for a lifetime, since we reach a mature state of mind and are also free from the greed that haunts the professional world. I am good in coordinating charity events and can help out in organizing any event. I am very open to learning and quite good in grasping things quickly. I believe that I can I contribute to your student community in more ways than one by being an honest, unbiased, helpful person.I seek joy by helping other people, especially the ones that desperately need help. It makes my heart ache to see people in our very own country suffer without food and a proper place to stay. I am willing to do whatever it takes to revive this situation.However, I feel that I have to first empower myself with the necessary tools to accomplish this noble cause. I believe that I have to start with higher education which is the one of the key steps. Dedication and persistence in h ealthy doses measure are also equally important to reach this goal.I am very patient person and would like help out elderly people are abandoned by their kids. I feel that everyone deserves someone to care for them and listen to them. I wish to visit elderly rest homes and interact with senior citizens. I wish get their perspective on current affairs and help them in little ways that matter.I wish to spend time with time with them on a regular basis and offer such elderly homes my free services. If I could help out a few elderly people, it would make me feel extremely proud and contented.I gone through many trails and tribulations in my life so far and all of them have only made me a stronger person. Even when I failed in my tests, I never gave up hope and have always been ready to face tough situations. I feel this quality of mine helps me to keep moving forward in life. I would have to mention my math teacher who helped me a lot to come out of failure and taste success.I will alwa ys be grateful to her and I made decision to be helpful to other people. I have also helped a lot of my friends during personal crisis and family emergencies. I try not pass judgments and am very open-minded.This has helped me gain the trust of my friends and prompted them to share their personal problems with me. It has also made me gain insight into human pain and uncover ways to deal with it. This has helped to understand that that every wound will heal with time.I see myself as a very active and sociable person. I have a penchant for doing social work and fighting for good causes. I would like to participate in events that deal with cleansing the environment and taking a new fresh look at humanitarian issues.I believe it is my duty as a human being to exhibit empathy and devote time to improve the world that I live. Nothing in the world would be give me more pride and joy than knowing that I have made a difference in another person’s life.